An Ḥassidic commentator, a disciple of R. Elimelech of Liszensk, and son of Aaron Ha-levi Epstein, Epstein expounded the role of the Tzaddik in his great work Maor VaShemesh. One of the major themes of the work is the idea of hamtakas hadinim (sweetening of the severity of the Divine punishment) —this the Tzaddik can accomplish through his personal service, and in influencing people to change their way of life so as to soften the Divine judgment. The Maor VaShemesh has been referred to as the Shulchan Aruch of Ḥassidut.

He is known as the Holy Maor Vashemesh. His contemporaries include Chozeh ("Seer") of Lublin, the Maggid of Koshnitz, Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Rimanov and the Apta Rebbe.

Works:

Maor VaShemesh

Comments:

Maor VaShemesh is an Ḥasidic commentary on the Torah and Moadim (Festivals)in which Epstein describes his own ecstatic experiences as well as those of others. The work provides ḥassidic insights interwoven with kabbalistic thoughts and is arranged according to the parashat hashavuah.